Embark on an 11-day cruise in Ushuaia, where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Board the World Navigator and sail for Antarctica, crossing the challenging Drake Passage. As you brave the waters, witness the awe-inspiring power of nature and encounter humpback whales and hourglass dolphins. Arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula, explore its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers. Guided by expert expedition teams, visit iconic sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, and Hidden Bay. Each landing offers a unique landscape, from rugged mountain peaks to expansive tundra. Experience incredible wildlife encounters, from penguin rookeries to elephant seals. Your captain's expert navigation ensures a safe and memorable experience, navigating ice floes and changing sea conditions. Reflect on your adventure as you return, every moment is an opportunity for discovery and wonder.
Highlights
Encounter humpback whales and hourglass dolphins along the way
Visit iconic sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, and Hidden Bay
Discover the power of the Drake Passage, witness its awesome beauty, and navigate to Antarctica
Explore Antarctica, conquer the final frontier and discover unique landscapes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Buenos Aires and check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do as you please before resting up for your cruise the next day.
Wake up early to catch your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. The transportation from your hotel to the airport will be arranged for you.
Although its nickname is the "End of the World" - derived from its location along the southernmost tip of South America among the Tierra del Fuego archipelago - Ushuaia is far from the end of any adventure. Where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel and the snow-capped Martial Mountains sit behind a sprawling city of colorful buildings, a lively town ready and waiting to take you on the thrill ride of a lifetime lies. Scenes like Parque Yatana allow you to immerse yourself in the rich, indigenous culture.
Navigating the brave Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its incredible power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer who braves these waters do not compare. Meeting warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. The Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. The channel is sometimes calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 5: Exploring the South Shetland Islands - Captain’s Choice, Antarctica
Part of the greater Antarctica region, the South Shetland Islands contain plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, hiking opportunities, and magnificent viewpoints that inspire a sense of discovering another world. A possible landing on Elephant Island, named for the shape of its cliffside and the elephant seals that call it home, puts you on the same path as the famous Shackleton Expedition. Deception Island, another possible landing and named for its very nature, is, in fact, a volcanic caldera where you can find heated springs amid the striking black sands. Other stops include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbor, Point Wild, and Barrientos Island, where plenty of Gentoo penguin rookeries exist.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE - Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Nicknamed The White Continent for its vast expanse of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, Antarctica is often the final frontier for experienced explorers to conquer. You may set foot on sites like Beak Island, Brown Bluff, Cierva Cove, Hidden Bay, and many more as you navigate Antarctic waters. Each landing throughout the continent offers its unique landscape, from expansive tundra to rugged mountain peaks, all beckoning you to follow the paths few explorers have trekked before.
CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.
Navigating the intrepid Drake Passage is made for the boldest of explorers. Petrels and albatrosses that glide across the skies guide the way. To witness its awesome power makes the journey to Antarctica all the more triumphant.
The Drake Passage leads you from the southernmost region of the Americas to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northern point of The White Continent. This waterway where the cold southern ocean meets warm northern sea water creates powerful currents that test your mettle.
But the rewards for the journeyer who braves these waters do not compare. Meeting warm and cold waters creates an environment that attracts extraordinary wildlife. The Drake Passage offers the chance to witness the likes of humpback whales and hourglass dolphins that accompany the voyage. The soundtrack of the 48-hour journey through the Drake Passage includes the crash of the ocean against the ship and the cry of petrels, skuas, and gulls.
While the waterway is famous for its challenging navigation, you may still get another side of the Drake Passage. The channel is sometimes calm and tranquil, making for a pleasant voyage into Antarctica. That’s one of the more splendid characteristics of the Drake Passage.
As you emerge from the Drake Passage, the mammoth, icy peaks of the South Shetland Islands loom ahead, greeting you on your victorious landing. You have completed the rite of passage to explore the seventh continent.
Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to the expedition team and fellow travelers as you disembark in Ushuaia today. Then, head to the airport for your charter flight to Buenos Aires, transportation from the ship to the airport is provided.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Adventure Oceanview Stateroom (AO)
Located: Deck 3
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
•183 sq. ft.
• Sitting area with chair, desk and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Horizon Stateroom (A1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B2)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Stateroom (B1)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 270 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Sitting area with sofa and TV
Veranda Deluxe Stateroom (E2)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 300 sq. ft. (including balcony)
• Living room with sofa and vanity
Horizon Deluxe Stateroom (E1)
Located: Deck 6
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 300 sq. ft. including floor-to-ceiling Juliette Balcony with top-drop electric window
• Interior seating area with sofa and TV
Journey Suite (JS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 382 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Discovery Suite (DS)
Located: Deck 5
Occupancy: Up to 2 guests
• 445 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Navigator Suite (NS)
Located: Deck 5 and 6
Occupancy: Up to 3 guests
• 465 sq. ft.
• Oversized private balcony with teak furnishings
• Double sinks and tub
• Walk-in closet and wardrobe
• Living room with sofa and vanity
• Includes 2 wall-mounted TVs with “infotainment” system
Initial deposit is $1000/pp for stateroom and/or $1500/pp for suite rooms, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Credit Card, Wire/bank Transfer
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Pre-Paid Gratuities
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapes
In-room minibar with your preferences
Specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
Champagne and gourmet canapes during meet and greet
24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
L'OCCITANE bath amenities
Atlas Ocean Voyages provides an Emergency Medical and Trip Delay Travel Protection plan on your behalf. The plan includes reimbursement for expenses such as trip cancellation, trip delays, baggage loss, medical situations and more.
While not required, we strongly recommend that all our guests purchase additional travel insurance with increased maximum reimbursement. Please refer to the plan documentation at HERE for specific terms, conditions.
Polar Plunge
Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Private charter jet service - roundtrip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
Use of knee boots
1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on Antarctica Expeditions
Shore landings led by expert field guides
Tierra del Fuego National Park Immersion
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Adventure Life has a great team. They were very knowledgeable and responsive and helped us choose the right Arctic Expedition for us. We would recommend them.
Kbear
4 months ago
Friendly representative, ease of booking and bountiful information along the way.
Gary Brodarick
5 months ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
6 months ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
Charles DeVito
7 months ago
The team at Adventure Life is amazing. From the planning process to the support once on the road, it's flawless. Highly recommend that you use them to plan and support your trip of a lifetime!